South Africa’s ability to maintain its position as a competitive manufacturing and export hub depends on urgent improvements to its port and rail networks, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday.
The remarks underscore growing pressure on the government to address logistical bottlenecks that threaten the country’s industrial output and trade flows.
The warning comes as Toyota South Africa unveiled its ninth-generation Hilux, following a R10.4 billion investment in its Durban manufacturing plant.
The launch highlights the scale of private sector commitment to the local economy, even as infrastructure constraints pose risks to supply chain efficiency and export timelines.
Reliable logistics remain a critical factor for South Africa’s trade-dependent industries.
Deputy Trade, Industry and Competition Minister John Steenhuisen has previously emphasized that the nation’s industrial future relies more on functional ports and rail than on domestic demand alone.